Robinson's Fiberglass Resurfacing System
The Materials:
- 1 1/2 ounce fiberglass mat for extra strength (many others use 3/4 ounce mat, or blown fiberglass particles which are not as durable)
- High quality resin with excellent durability and elongation to withstand ground movement. It will also fill small cracks and produces a waterproof seal.
- Premium Gel Coat provides excellent UV protection, smooth finish, chemical and blister resistance. It also is available in colors with excellent blush resistance.
The Process:
- Pre-coat is applied. This a clear bonding coat that ensures that the fiberglass and resin will have a strong, permanent adhesion to your pool surface.
- First coat of resin is rolled unto the pool surface, one area at a time.
- Fiberglass mat is hand-laid to the wet resin. This is far superior to blown chopped fiberglass, and we use a 1 1/2 ounce fiberglass rather than the more common 3/4 ounce material.
Fitting fiberglass into corners.
Mark applying fiberglass to steps.
Mark working fiberglass into light housing.
- Another coat of resin is rolled over the fiberglass mat.
- Rib rollers are used to firm the fiberglass while still wet. This will eliminate any possible air pockets and helps create a monolithic liner.
- Tile is applied and grouted. This includes perimeter (waterline) tile, depth marker, insignia, decorative or mosaic tile. Perimeter tile is mortared with our special process to add stability and smooth transition to the pool surface.
- Clean-up is done to ensure a smooth surface for the white resin coats.
- First coat of white resin is applied.
- Second coat of white resin is applied.
Rolling white resin on steps.
Smoothing surface before final coat of white resin.
Final coat of white resin.
Comparison Chart of Swimming Pool Repair Options
| Robinson's hand-laid fiberglass finish | Smooth, stain free, clean and crisp | Non-Porous, resists all types of algae | Resists all types of staining | Requires approx. 30% less chemicals than plaster or aggregate pools | 20 years-residential 10-15 years-commercial; has flexibility to resist cracks from ground movement | Full 2-year warranty on materials and workmanship |
| Sprayed-on "chopped" fiberglass | Smooth, stain free, clean & crisp | Non-Porous, resists all types of algae | Resists all types of staining | Less chemicals than plaster or aggregate pools | 15 years-residential 10-15 years-commercial | 1 year warranty on materials 90 day to hold water |
| Plaster/Gunite surface | Cracks, stains rough to touch | Porous surface encourages algae to adhere and grow | Permanent staining very likely, even on new plaster | Large amounts of chemicals necessary to prevent algae growth | Require acid wash every 1-3 years, re-plaster in 7 years | 90 day warranty to Hold Water |
| Aggregate surface | Rough surface, hard on bare feet and bathing suits | Rough, bumpy surface encourages algae to adhere and grow; difficult to clean | Permanent staining likely | Large amounts of chemicals necessary to prevent algae growth | Will last 5 – 10 years but will your feet very rough like sandpaper | Typically, 5-years given "to hold water only" |
| Vinyl liners | Fake looking its plastic fades discolors liner not smooth wrinkles | Algae grows like wild fire liner is very porous | Stains some but bleach spots from chlorine very likely and fades uneven | Large amounts of chemicals necessary to prevent algae growth | Easily tears or gets holes; normally need liner replaced in 5-8 years; metal wall panels & coping not compatible with salt systems | Most warranties are pro-rated, No warranty really |
| Painted surface | Peels, flakes blisters fades uneven runs | Paints do little to protect a concrete surface from algae | Stains easily concrete stains bleed through | Fewer chemicals needed than other surfaces but leaches into water bad | 1-2 years for rubber or acrylic-based paints: 1-2 years for 2-part epoxy paints | No warranty |